Özil stars in committed Arsenal display: Player ratings v Milan

Arsenal finally ended their losing streak with a top team performance away at the San Siro, beating Milan 2-0 on the night.

(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

For the first time in a long time, it was more difficult to pick out the poor performers on Arsene Wenger’s side than the good, meaning anyone who took advantage of some great odds were well rewarded. It was just the response Arsenal needed in arguably their most important game of the season so far.

Although one match doesn’t wash away all the recent bad results, or the fact that all the other competitions are essentially over for Arsenal, it does give the team a great chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals though, and a reason for fans to be positive.

Here are our individual player ratings:

1Defence

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

David Ospina 7

Ospina had a good game in general as Arsenal kept a clean sheet for the first time in five matches. The most important part of his job on the night was getting off his line quickly to prevent Milan getting in behind the defence, and in general he did it well.

As always, there were still a couple of nervy moments. The early penalty call would’ve been harsh, but if Çalhanoğlu had gone down you could see the referee giving it.

Then there was the corner where Bonucci rose higher with his head than Ospina managed with his hands. The goalkeeper was lucky that one didn’t end up in the back of the net.

Calum Chambers 7.5

This was much better from Chambers.

He helped out at both ends, and fired a vicious shot on Donnarumma’s goal at one point. More importantly, he was fantastic in the air as Milan continually whipped crosses in.

The Englishman won eight aerial duels, double that of any other player on the pitch, despite his early substitution.

Unfortunately injury ended his night early.

Shkodran Mustafi 8

Mustafi made a number of crucial interceptions and clearances in a much improved performance.

There was one dodgy moment early on when he pushed up and left space in behind for Cutrone to run into and shoot, but fortunately it came to nothing.

After that he was very good throughout.

Laurent Koscielny 8.5

Arsenal’s star defender in recent years looked like his old self again in Milan.

He made more clearances than anyone else on the pitch, more interceptions and won a greater percentage of his aerials than any other defender.

He was also solid on the ball, which helped the midfield a lot.

Another performance like this in London next Thursday and it should be on to the quarter-finals.

Sead Kolašinac 7.5

Kolašinac is another player who looked to rediscover his earlier form at the San Siro.

He picked up good positions going forward as he always does, but his passing was a bit more accurate, and his defending was solid.

Arsenal fan since a young age, now a season ticket holder who enjoys writing, tweeting and making videos about the Gunners. Also likes: guitar, gaming and lists of three.
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